Early childhood education holds a pivotal role in shaping a child’s holistic development and setting the stage for academic excellence. In India, the significance of preschools has surged in recent years, driven by heightened parental awareness regarding the profound benefits of early learning. As a result, Preschools across the country are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, nurturing children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth. Amidst this educational landscape, VedaVihaan The Global School emerges as a prominent preschool brand, fostering an environment where students learn and explore together, guided by a seasoned faculty. Notably, VedaVihaan Global School has been recognized as a Children’s Wellbeing Ambassador, a testament to their commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience for young learners.
Operated by Navdip Educational Trust, VedaVihaan The Global School is a network of play schools nestled in Bangalore, India. The core emphasis is on furnishing a progressive learning experience for children, recognizing them as the torchbearers of the future. Drawing from years of expertise, VedaVihaan orchestrates a spectrum of meticulously planned events that facilitate learning through enjoyable activities. The faculty, enriched with extensive experience, work intimately with each child, sculpting their educational journey to ensure seamless progress and a solid foundation for their future endeavors.
Navigating Challenges
VedaVihaan’s journey during the pandemic of 2020 to the present has been truly transformational. Initially, having begun with just a group of enthusiastic lads who were in the midst of getting the car running, for S Naveen Kumar the Founder, everything felt quite chaotic, and having to run the school through the online mode was another obstacle which had to be dealt with.
In response, the Preschool devised a unique categorization: 30% focused on credits, 30% on activities, and another 30% on extracurricular pursuits such as arts, music, and more. These additional classes were designed to target fine motor skills, gross motor skills, cognitive development, and creative thinking, accounting for 20% of their approach. Another 30% was dedicated to literacy and storytelling. “This marked a distinctive shift from the norm, particularly with our emphasis on Kannada and Hindi, setting us apart in the market”, shared Naveen Kumar.
The innovative approach adopted sparked a high level of interest among the children. They eagerly anticipated the classes and the related activities such as yoga, music, and dance. Parents showed strong support and often joined classes with their children, indicating a promising beginning. This early achievement led to a significant increase in admissions in the inaugural year. Additionally, a hybrid model was introduced, ensuring strict safety measures, allowing for special events and celebrations by bringing children to in-person classes.
However, the second lockdown presented a new challenge. VedaVihaan and everyone who is a vital part of it had to go through uncertain times about transitioning back, so the preschool took the initiative to educate both children and parents about safety measures at home and while traveling. Thereby, the preschool adapted to the academic curriculum to suit the online mode, while maintaining a balance, organizing celebrations both in school and through Zoom calls. “To distinguish ourselves, we introduced monthly tests, which boosted confidence levels and produced positive academic outcomes”, exclaimed the founder.
Nurturing Holistic Learning
At VedaVihaan, the curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to empower today’s generation of children. It seamlessly combines play-based, team-based, kindergarten, and Montessori approaches, resulting in an engaging and effective learning experience. The school’s comprehensive approach to child development ensures a well-rounded growth for every student, nurturing logical thinking, teamwork, and a love for learning through enjoyable activities. This holistic approach equips students with essential skills for success in a dynamic world.
The learning environment at VedaVihaan is designed to foster a stress-free and enjoyable learning experience, steering clear of excessive academic pressure. Through the integration of these principles into daily routines, the school creates a smooth and effective learning journey, enabling children to thrive comfortably.
While many schools may lose sight of their core mission in pursuit of other priorities, VedaVihaan remains steadfast in prioritizing the joy of learning and the development of strong language skills. The school recognizes the vital importance of proficiency in these areas in the Indian context, and it forms the cornerstone of their educational efforts.
To achieve this, VedaVihaan boasts highly trained teachers who are adept at working with children and attuned to their unique learning styles. Practical education is at the forefront of their approach, ensuring that children learn through hands-on experiences. For instance, when introducing letters and numbers, the teachers employ a multi-step process, encompassing stroke-based learning, tracing, and hands-on writing with pen and paper. S. Naveen Kumar emphasizes, “By offering a structured approach that emphasizes both enjoyment and academic excellence, we distinguish ourselves and make a significant impact on children’s learning and development.”
2022 and Beyond
In 2022, Vedavihaan achieved significant success, culminating in the acquisition of a third campus. Now, Vedavihaan boasts three thriving campuses, which has marked a tremendous milestone for the institution. Beyond this Vedavihaan continues to expand, with many parents re-enrolling their children, a testament to the school’s effective teaching methods.
In the first quarter of this year, Vedavihaan has witnessed a promising start, marked by a notable influx of admissions. Many children who were previously homeschooled have eagerly joined the school community. Overall, it has been a period of achievement and progress post-pandemic.
Naveen Kumar – Founder
Hailing from Bangalore, Naveen Kumar embarked on his professional journey armed with an MBA in International Information Technology. Influenced by his father’s legacy as an educator, Naveen began his career as a teacher, gradually transitioning into roles focused on student relationship management and HR. Over time, he amassed experience in team and portfolio management across various companies, ultimately realizing his entrepreneurial vision in 2017.
In 2019, Naveen Kumar fulfilled his dream of establishing a school that pays homage to his father’s legacy with the founding of VedaVihaan. As the visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of VedaVihaan The Global School, Naveen Kumar has propelled the institution into the spotlight for its innovative and holistic approach to education. His profound commitment to education and the desire to bring positive change to the educational landscape have been manifest in significant contributions.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, S Naveen Kumar was awarded the Honorary Doctorate in 2023 by the Magic Book of Records, a prestigious acknowledgment reflecting his unwavering dedication and excellence in the field of education. Additionally, his entrepreneurial acumen and leadership skills were acknowledged when he was honored as a 40 Under 40 Promising and Emerging Entrepreneur by the Glaze Iconic Awards 2023. This accolade underscores his innovative and forward-thinking approach to education, showcasing his potential to make a substantial impact in the business world.
Beyond entrepreneurial endeavors, S Naveen Kumar received the Education Icon Award from DYNERGIC Business Solutions, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field of education. These honors collectively underscore Naveen Kumar’s multifaceted commitment to educational excellence and innovative leadership in shaping the future of education.
